Time To "Chime"

The superstars behind Gucci's initiative to help women around the world talk about chiming for change.

Fashion is always having major moments—rivets, peplums, ombré hair—and we like it that way. But Gucci is stirring up attention around a different sort of major moment: an alarming one, of women in crisis around the world. Spurred by statistics showing how disadvantaged women are globally, the house has launched Chime for Change, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Salma Hayek Pinault, and Gucci creative director Frida Giannini as leaders in a call to unite to raise awareness and funds—to ring the bell, so to speak. The women (who all happen to be mothers of daughters) represent health, justice, and education, respectively, as focuses of the campaign, which Gucci will kick off with a Beyoncé-headlined concert in London. The three spoke with BAZAAR about the cause for which their bells toll.
Check chimeforchange.org for TV listings to tune in to watch Beyoncé, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, John Legend and more during the 6-hour concert on June 1st.

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Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Do you feel we've reached a point when things can really change for girls and women on a large scale?

Absolutely, but we have a lot of work to do. We have the education and the resources, but it will take everyone working together. Men, women, politicians, teachers—everyone has to view these issues as a priority.

What do you think each of us can do to be an active part of this change?

We have to take the lead. If we are educated, our girls will value education. If we respect our bodies, they will value theirs. If we are brave, they will grow up to be fearless. Until we walk the walk, it just continues to be talk.

Ed Burke

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Frida Giannini

Frida Giannini

What do you find most empowering about creating fashion for women?

The best accessory a woman can wear is confidence. It is always my aim to design clothes that will help a woman feel strong and powerful. Nowadays being a woman in fashion is not as difficult. There are still many men at the helm of fashion brands, but our place within the industry is more widely accepted.

Why did Gucci decide to bring on the journalist Mariane Pearl [the widow of Daniel Pearl] as the project's editor?

Mariane became familiar with Gucci's involvement in social issues when she served on the selection committee for the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund in 2010 and 2011. I have always admired her courage.

Who are some of your favorite women?

I am inspired not only by my fellow cofounders of Chime for Change but also by individuals like Malala Yousafzai [the 15-year-old Pakistani education activist].

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Do you feel we've reached a point when things can really change for girls and women on a large scale?

Absolutely, but we have a lot of work to do. We have the education and the resources, but it will take everyone working together. Men, women, politicians, teachers—everyone has to view these issues as a priority.

What do you think each of us can do to be an active part of this change?

We have to take the lead. If we are educated, our girls will value education. If we respect our bodies, they will value theirs. If we are brave, they will grow up to be fearless. Until we walk the walk, it just continues to be talk.

Ed Burke

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Frida Giannini

What do you find most empowering about creating fashion for women?

The best accessory a woman can wear is confidence. It is always my aim to design clothes that will help a woman feel strong and powerful. Nowadays being a woman in fashion is not as difficult. There are still many men at the helm of fashion brands, but our place within the industry is more widely accepted.

Why did Gucci decide to bring on the journalist Mariane Pearl [the widow of Daniel Pearl] as the project's editor?

Mariane became familiar with Gucci's involvement in social issues when she served on the selection committee for the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund in 2010 and 2011. I have always admired her courage.

Who are some of your favorite women?

I am inspired not only by my fellow cofounders of Chime for Change but also by individuals like Malala Yousafzai [the 15-year-old Pakistani education activist].

Courtesy of Gucci

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Salma Hayek Pinault

You have long been a supporter of women's rights, and even testified before the Senate on violence against women. What's the most important change you want to effect?

I'd like to see the life of a woman valued and respected around the world. It is incredible to think that at this time in history there are many places where we do not have basic human rights.

Can you recall any particularly inspirational moment or anecdote from your own youth?

My mom was famous for her cooking. One day I asked her to teach me. She refused, saying that hopefully I would find a better thing to do with my life than spend all day in the kitchen. I was motivated by the women in my family to go out in the world and do great things. And so I did, but I must confess I do love cooking.

Have you always thought of yourself as a strong woman?

Women are strong by nature. Unfortunately, we don't identify with our strength so easily. It is not easy to be a woman.

Check chimeforchange.org for TV listings to tune in to watch Beyoncé, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, John Legend and more during the 6-hour concert on June 1st.